Cosy Science

Neuroscience is leading to a greater understanding of the biological basis of behaviour. But such insights raise tricky questions for our society. If a crime is committed by someone with a brain tumour or genetic condition, should we hold them responsible for their actions? Should the law be considered separate from our biology? By acting as jury for a fascinating case study in which neuroscience and the law collide, we will weigh up these issues.

Steve Fleming is a cognitive neuroscientist. He holds a Wellcome Trust postdoctoral fellowship, working at New York University and University of Oxford. This summer he is spending time at UPenn as a Fellow in neuroethics. His research combines brain imaging and computational models to study decision-making. Steve lives in Manhattan and dabbles in music and various sports, placing weight on enthusiasm over talent.